Fascism will rise if we are not united: Tarique Rahman

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has warned that covert fascism may emerge if unity is not forged now. He stressed that there is no alternative to unity in building the nation.

He made these remarks as chief guest while virtually addressing the Cumilla South District BNP conference on Saturday, September 27 afternoon.

Tarique Rahman said, “In the coming days, covert autocracy may surface in the country. We must protect the people from it. Every BNP leader and activist must remain united, forgetting divisions. We must build the country — there is no alternative. Let this be our pledge, let this be our oath.”

He added, “The people are the source of all power. Therefore, we must keep them with us. We must act as the people want, treat them well, and meet their expectations. Our only goal is Bangladesh first. Wherever Bangladesh’s interests lie, there stands the BNP.”

Referring to BNP’s struggle, he said, “For the past 16 years, we have fought against autocracy. Our leaders and activists have been victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Many have been maimed. Autocracy has been toppled. Now our task is to build and reconstruct the country. To rebuild it as per people’s aspirations, unity is a must. This beautiful conference itself has been possible because you are united.”

Urging party workers, he said, “This country is our home. For the past 16 years, robbers plundered this home. Now it must be rebuilt. The real strength in nation-building is the people. You must go to them in teams of two or three, knock on their doors, and seek votes for the paddy-sheaf symbol. You must present to them how we shall build the nation, ensure peace, order and security, and bring development.”

He concluded, “To BNP leaders and workers across Bangladesh I say: we must unite. We must unite all pro-democracy forces.”